After two solo albums on Word (see review), plus a Christmas project, Nicole C. Mullen already has enough sure-fire hits to merit this live concert CD and DVD project, recorded at The Oronoff Center in her welcoming hometown of Cincinnati.

As an artist who defies categorization, and who appeals to vast numbers across a range of Christian music, Mullen is in a class of her own. Hits such as “Redeemer” and “Call On Jesus” have brought her to the forefront of Christian music.

On Live From Cincinnati, Bringing It Home, Mullen delivers live and fresh versions of these smashes, along with eleven others, plus two brand new pieces. Obviously relishing the opportunity to connect with the receptive crowd, she provides anecdotes, background, testimony and introductions to her music. Listening to it all is a great way to gain more insight into not only her music, but her person as well.

“Music of My Heart”, one of two new songs on the project (the other is Mullen’s album ending and acappella rendered version of “O Come All Ye Faithful”), is an organic, acoustic guitar-accompanied tune that showcases Mullen’s abilities with a ballad and her talent for songwriting.

“On My Knees” is a song that Mullen wrote and that Jaci Velasquez sang into hit territory. Mullen sings it herself here, with tenderness. She brings that same approach to the more vigorous praise chorus from Joseph Vogels, “Victory”, as well as on “Black, White, Tan” and “Homemade”.

With a backing band of notables to supplement her own guitar work (Kyle Whalum on bass, Joe Mazza with extra guitar, Marvin Sims on drums and the impressive Jason Eskridge providing backing vocals), combined with a moderately sized choir and a crew of energetic dancers, the project comes alive —especially on DVD.